How to buy the safest cars

For many car shoppers, price isn’t the only consideration. So is safety. According to a 2024 survey by YouGov, 82% of respondents said car safety ratings are important when buying a new vehicle. Safety ratings are also important to insurance companies, which use this data (among other criteria) when setting rates for policyholders.

“Most insurance companies consider the vehicle safety ratings when rating the insurance premium,” said Janet Ruiz, director of strategic communication for the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I). 

“Vehicles with higher safety ratings, meaning they perform well in crash tests and have advanced safety features, are often cheaper to insure because they are less likely to be involved in accidents. If they are, the resulting damage and injuries are likely to be less severe,” she said.

If you’re shopping for a new or used car, researching safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA can help you make a more informed decision and possibly help save on insurance costs. This guide will explain how car safety ratings work and how you can use them to find the safest vehicle for your needs.

Understanding car safety ratings

Two major organizations evaluate new vehicles and issue safety ratings: the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

The IIHS is an independent, nonprofit research and education institution backed by the insurance industry. It has been conducting crash tests since 1995. The NHTSA is a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation responsible for enforcing vehicle performance standards, promoting road safety, and reducing traffic-related fatalities. It has been crash-testing vehicles since 1978.

IIHS crash test ratings

The IIHS conducts eight tests as part of its overall assessment of vehicle safety. Vehicles are graded on a four-point scale: Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor. 

“IIHS evaluates vehicles in a variety of safety tests to give consumers important information about how a vehicle will protect them in a crash and how it might help keep them out of a crash in the first place,” said Joe Young, IIHS director of media relations.

As automotive technology has changed over the years, so have the number and type of tests conducted. This year, the IIHS tightened scoring standards to put new emphasis on rear-seat passenger safety.

Three tests evaluate a vehicle’s crashworthiness or how well it protects occupants in a collision.

• Small overlap front: This simulates a collision in which a vehicle’s front corner strikes another vehicle or a fixed object, such as a tree or utility pole. The test vehicle travels at 40 mph into a rigid barrier with 25% of its front overlapping. Two test dummies in the front seats are evaluated for injury risk, and seatbelts and airbags are reviewed for effectiveness. Engineers conduct this test on both driver and passenger sides.
• Moderate overlap front: This simulates a head-on collision between two vehicles. The test vehicle travels at 40 mph into a rigid barrier with 40% of its front overlapping. Test dummies in the front and rear seats are evaluated for injury risk, and seatbelts and airbags are evaluated for effectiveness. Engineers conduct this test on both driver and passenger sides. 
• Side: This test simulates a T-bone collision between an SUV and another vehicle. A 4,200-pound striking rig is driven into the side of a test vehicle at 37 mph. Two test dummies in the front and rear driver’s side are evaluated for injury risk, and seatbelts and airbags are assessed for effectiveness.

Three other tests gauge a vehicle’s crash-avoidance features and headlight performance.

• Headlights: Engineers measure the distance a vehicle’s headlamps illuminate straightaways and curves and the amount of glare they create for oncoming traffic. Tests are conducted on high- and low-beam lights.
• Front crash prevention, vehicle-to-vehicle: This test analyses how effective a vehicle’s forward crash warning and automatic braking systems are in avoiding a collision with a stopped vehicle on the road ahead.
• Front crash prevention, pedestrian: This test analyses how effective a vehicle’s forward crash warning and automatic braking systems are in avoiding striking a pedestrian crossing or stopping in the road ahead. The test is run to simulate daytime and nighttime conditions.

In addition, two other tests are conducted. Vehicle seat belt reminder systems are tested to determine the effectiveness of their audible and visual alerts. Engineers also evaluate how easily it is to install a child car safety seat using the vehicle’s backseat LATCH system.

NHTSA crash test ratings

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducts four tests as part of its overall evaluation of vehicle safety. Vehicles are graded on a 5-star scale, with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best.

• Frontal crash test: This simulates a head-on collision between two vehicles traveling at 35 mph. Two dummies in the front seats are evaluated for injury potential. 
• Side barrier crash test: This test simulates a vehicle being T-boned by another automobile. A 3,015-pound barrier is rammed into the test vehicle at 38.5 mph, and dummies in the driver’s seat and rear passenger seat are evaluated for injuries.
• Side pole crash test: Engineers simulate a vehicle striking a pole or other fixed object on the driver’s side of the vehicle at 20 mph. A dummy in the driver seat is evaluated for injury potential.
• Rollover resistance test: This test – which does not involve a simulated collision – evaluates vehicle stability during emergency maneuvers and how likely it is to roll over while traveling at 55 mph.

A representative from the NHTSA was unavailable for comment.

What makes a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+?

The IIHS has awarded its Top Safety Pick to carmakers since 2006 and its Top Safety Pick+ designation since 2013. Both awards are based on a vehicle’s performance in its annual safety tests. For 2025, 36 vehicles were named a Top Safety Pick+, while 12 were named a Top Safety Pick. Criteria for each is as follows:

Top Safety Pick+: This year, a vehicle had to earn a score of Good in each of the three crash tests and a score of Acceptable or Good in the headlights and pedestrian crash-avoidance tests. Last year, a vehicle could score an Acceptable or Good in the moderate overlap test and still earn the Safety Pick+ designation.

Top Safety Pick: A vehicle had to earn Good scores in the small overlap and side crash tests, as well as Acceptable or Good scores in the moderate overlap crash test, plus the headlight and pedestrian-avoidance tests.

Must-have safety features in new vehicles

New vehicles are loaded with advanced safety features that only a few years ago were unavailable or only offered as expensive options. According to the IIHS, rear-view cameras have been standard on vehicles since 2018, while frontal crash detection systems have been a standard feature in most autos since 2022. And automakers will be required by the NHTSA to install automatic emergency braking in all vehicles by 2029.

Automatic emergency braking is one of the most effective safety features available. According to IIHS data from 2023, automatic emergency braking reduced the likelihood of a front-to-rear crash with injuries by 56%. It also reduced the chance of a crash while backing up by a whopping 78% when used in tandem with a rear back-up camera and parking sensors. Automatic braking also reduced the chance of striking and injuring a pedestrian by 30%. 

Other safety technologies, like blind spot detection, can reduce lane-changing accidents that result in injury by 23%. Lane-departure warnings have been shown to reduce the risk of injury crashes by 21%.

The NHTSA and IIHS recommend looking for the following safety features when shopping for a new car:

Automatic emergency braking

As the name suggests, an automatic emergency braking system will automatically engage a vehicle’s brakes if a collision is imminent. According to the NHTSA, there are two types of automatic emergency braking: dynamic brake support and crash-imminent braking. Dynamic brake support acts like a backup, applying additional brake pressure if it senses that the driver isn’t stopping hard enough to avoid a collision. By contrast, crash-imminent braking kicks in when a vehicle senses an immediate crash danger but the driver hasn’t responded by slowing down or stopping.

Forward collision warning

A frontal crash warning system monitors the road ahead using sensors to monitor the speed of your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. If you get too close, the system will sound a warning alert to let you know you’re getting too close and that you must slow down. Some may also trigger a vehicle’s emergency braking system if the driver does not respond quickly.

Lane departure warning

This feature uses sensors to monitor the lane markings on a roadway. An alert will sound if your vehicle drifts too close to the edge so you can correct your steering and avoid drifting into the path of another vehicle. 

Pedestrian detection

If a vehicle senses a pedestrian has entered the vehicle’s path, a warning will sound and the brakes will be applied automatically.

Blind-spot monitoring

This feature will warn drivers of oncoming traffic in an adjacent lane and perhaps may use assisted steering to keep you in your lane and avoid a collision.

Rear cross-traffic monitor

Sensors monitor the space around the rear of the vehicle but beyond the range of the backup camera while the car is in reverse, alerting the driver to potential collisions.

What are the safest cars to buy in 2025?

According to the IIHS, SUVs dominated its list of safest vehicles this year partly because they dominate the auto market. But you can find small and midsize cars, as well as luxury sedans and a couple of picks on the list as well. What you won’t find are light pickups, very small cars like the Cooper Mini, and minivans.

“Unfortunately, minivans have struggled in our newest crash test, the updated moderate overlap test,” Young said. “This test is designed to get automakers to improve safety for belted occupants in the second row. If someone tends to transport older children or adults in the back seat, they may want to consider looking at another vehicle class with models that perform well in this test.”

Young anticipates automakers will respond by improving crash test performance on upcoming minivan models. He urges buyers to wait if they can.  

“If someone really wants a new minivan now, we’d encourage them to compare other safety ratings for available minivans. Several models, including the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, did qualify for 2024 safety awards under slightly less challenging criteria, so those are still solid options,” he said.

Below, you’ll find the IIHS’ complete list of Safety Pick winners for 2025.

2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winners

• Small cars

1. Honda Civic hatchback
2. Mazda 3 hatchback
3. Mazda 3 sedan

• Midsize cars

1. Honda Accord
2. Hyundai Ioniq 6
3. Toyota Camry

• Midsize luxury car

1. Mercedes-Benz C-Class

• Small SUVs

1. Genesis GV60
2. Honda HR-V
3. Hyundai Ioniq 5
4. Hyundai Kona
5. Hyundai Tucson
6. Mazda CX-30
7. Mazda CX-50
8. Subaru Solterra

• Midsize SUVs

1. Ford Mustang Mach-E
2. Hyundai Santa Fe (built after November 2024)
3. Kia EV9
4. Kia Telluride
5. Mazda CX-70
6. Mazda CX-70 PHEV
7. Mazda CX-90
8. Mazda CX-90 PHEV
9. Nissan Pathfinder

• Midsize luxury SUVs

1. BMW X5
2. Genesis Electrified GV70
3. Genesis GV70 (built after April 2024)
4. Genesis GV80
5. Lincoln Nautilus
6. Mercedes-Benz GLC
7. Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (with optional front crash prevention)
8. Volvo XC90 (built before December 2024)

• Large SUVs

1. Audi Q7
2. Infiniti QX80
3. Rivian R1S (built after August 2024)

• Large pickup

1. Toyota Tundra crew cab

2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick winners

• Small cars

1. Acura Integra hatchback
2. Honda Civic sedan

• Large luxury car

1. Genesis G90

• Small SUVs

1. Subaru Forester (excludes Wilderness trim)

• Midsize SUVs

1. Chevrolet Traverse
2. Honda Pilot
3. Subaru Ascent

• Midsize luxury SUVs

1. Acura MDX
2. Infiniti QX60
3. Lexus NX
4. Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid (built before December 2024)

• Large pickup

1. Rivian R1T

“For folks considering a new vehicle in 2025, we’d encourage them to start by consulting our list of 2025 Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ vehicles. These vehicles all perform well in a variety of crash tests and come with effective pedestrian crash prevention technology and decent headlights,” Young said. “If someone is interested in a vehicle that doesn’t make our list, they can dig into the ratings on our website to understand where it came up short and use that information to inform their purchase.”

2025 NHTSA 5-star vehicles

The NHTSA doesn’t announce a yearly list of the top-rated vehicles like the IIHS. Instead, you have to do some legwork. If you’ve got access to a computer or phone, you can search the NHTSA’s safety ratings website. Or, if you’re at a car dealership, you can find the vehicle’s safety rating on its window price sheet (also called a Monroney label). 

The following vehicles, all of them top-sellers in the U.S, are among those earning the NHTSA’s 5-star overall safety rating:

• Ford F-150 (regular cab, gas)
• Toyota RAV4
• Honda CR-V
• Toyota Camry (2024 model)
• Nissan Rogue
• Honda Civic (sedan)
• Toyota Corolla
• Jeep Grand Cherokee L
• Chevrolet  Equinox EV
• Hyundai Tucson (2024 model)

How to check for safety features when buying a used car

With new cars becoming increasingly expensive, many buyers are looking at used vehicles instead. New or used, the IIHS recommends keeping safety top of mind.

“Our research shows that automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning are all highly effective at preventing the types of crashes they’re designed to address,” Young says. “If you’re considering something used, you may have to shop around to find the right package or trim to get the latest technologies. We’d encourage consumers to shop for these technologies and to buy as much safety as they can afford.”

Even if the model you’re considering lacks the high-tech safety equipment of newer vehicles, you can still take steps to ensure the auto you’re considering is a reliable one.

• Check the crash test ratings: You can do this on both the NHTSA and IIHS websites. Look for vehicles that have been named an IIHS Top Safety Pick or earned the NHTSA’s 5-star overall rating.
• Look for recalls: The NHTSA website also has a page where you can search for safety recall information. All you have to do is enter the vehicle’s license plate or VIN. The site also tracks recalls for tires and child car seats.
• Review the vehicle history report: This can tell you how many owners the vehicle has had, and identify possible red flags, such as whether it’s been in an accident and sustained serious damage or if it has been used as a fleet vehicle. You can buy a copy of a vehicle report from a company like AutoCheck or Carfax; some dealers may also provide this information.
• Inspect the car inside and out: Take a close look at the body for signs of collision damage, rust, and loose panels. Examine the tires for signs of uneven wear, which could indicate an alignment issue. Check fluid levels under the hood and look for any warning lights when you start the vehicle.

Drivers should also check the IIHS website to inform their purchase, Young said.

“We publish data on insurance losses by make and model, which can help consumers understand which vehicles might cost more to insure,” he said. “We also publish driver death rates by make and model, which provide additional information about the real-world safety records of vehicles.”

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “About our tests.” Accessed March 2025. 
2. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Advanced driver assistance.” Accessed March 2025.
3. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “NHTSA’s 5-star safety ratings 2025 crash test vehicles.” Accessed March 2025.
4. Statista. “Chart: Most important factors when buying a car.” Accessed March 2025.
5. YouGov. “Are you able to name what’s factored in a car’s safety rating? Many US drivers can.” Accessed March 2025.